'We're so keen to get it reopen again' - negotiations to save Swindon's Oasis underway
Two months ago, the iconic Leisure Centre was branded 'no longer viable'
Last updated 8th Feb 2021
It looks like there could be a brighter future for one of our region's most iconic institutions.
Greatest Hits Radio has been told that negotiations to reopen Swindon's Oasis Leisure Centre are underway, two months after being deemed "no longer viable" by the firm running it.
Years of Oasis turmoil
The circumstances around who is ultimately responsible for the site are convoluted.
In 2013, the developing firm Moirai was awarded a 99-year lease by Swindon Borough Council (SBC), to renovate the town's North Star site. This included the Oasis Leisure Centre.
Seven Capital acquired the lease from Moirai in the summer of 2017. SBC claims the property investment company was "much better resourced" to carry out the North Star redevelopment.
An agreement was subsequently made between Seven Capital and Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), a social enterprise organisation, making the latter legally accountable for providing facilities at the Oasis.
However in November 2020, GLL announced it would not be reopening the leisure centre after lockdown restrictions lifted, citing "extremely challenging operating conditions" due to the pandemic.
This sparked backlash amongst local stakeholders. North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson branded the decision "unacceptable", arguing that Seven Capital had a "duty to provide leisure facilities".
Robert Buckland, his South Swindon counterpart, told Greatest Hits Radio: "I'll carry on working to try and achieve a positive outcome, for all of us who know and love the Oasis".
A petition to save the Oasis has since gained more than 2,100 signatures. It called the site one of the town's "most valued and known places".
GLL is now in the process of surrendering the lease back to Seven Capital.
'We want to come up with a solution'
Swindon Borough Council, which still owns the Oasis, has since formed a taskforce with Seven Capital in an attempt to find a solution.
Its next meeting is scheduled later this month.
Cllr David Renard, the Borough Council's Leader, has told us the authority doesn't want the Oasis to close permanently: "We're so keen to try and get it open again.
"The commitment is there from the Council, there's absolutely no doubt about that. But, of course, it is going to take time. It is going to take money".
'Another 50 years of enjoyment for local people'
The Oasis first opened its doors in 1979 and reportedly inspired the Britpop band's name during the 1990s.
Given its age, Cllr Renard admits major improvements are required to modernise the site - including upgrading its notorious dome and flumes.
"Just reopening as it is, is not going to provide a long-term solution and a long-term future, because it does need investment," he said.
"We don't want to be in this position where we're just constantly investing year-on-year, and it's only a sticking plaster.
"We want to come up with a solution, with Seven Capital, that's going to ensure another 50 years of enjoyment for local people - and people who come from further afield".
According to Seven Capital, it will publicise details regarding the leisure facility's future after further negotiations with the Borough Council.
A spokesperson for the company told Greatest Hits Radio: "It has been a difficult year for most industries due to constraints applied as a result of the pandemic and this has impacted the Oasis".